Priority Areas

Reducing the Number of Uninsured

Approximately 2.6 million New Yorkers lack health insurance. Of these, 1.1 million are eligible for public health insurance coverage but not enrolled, 1.1 million are not eligible for public health insurance because of their family incomes, and almost 400,000 are undocumented immigrants. Federal health reform makes sweeping changes that increase the availability, affordability, and funding of health insurance coverage in the U.S. The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) is committed to reducing the percentage of uninsured residents in New York State through public and private initiatives.

Learn more about the Foundation's strategies and projects to reduce the number of uninsured New Yorkers.

Improving Health Care for People with Diabetes

Nearly 1.8 million New Yorkers—-almost 10% of the State’s population—-have diabetes, a chronic condition that exacts an enormous human and financial toll, affecting individuals’ health but also health care institutions, health plans, and the State’s budget. The prevalence of diabetes has doubled in the last 16 years and affects racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately. Costs related to diabetes in New York are estimated at $12.9 billion annually, including excess medical costs of $8.7 billion. NYSHealth established a five-year Diabetes Campaign to reverse the diabetes epidemic. The Campaign focuses on improving clinical care and patient outcomes; mobilizing communities to prevent diabetes and support diabetes self-management; and promoting policies that sustain comprehensive and effective care for people with diabetes.

Learn more about the Foundation's Diabetes Campaign and related projects for improving health care for people with diabetes.

Integrating Mental Health/Substance Use Services

Nearly 1.4 million people in New York State suffer simultaneously from mental health and substance use disorders. However, only 10% of people with mental health and substance use disorders receive treatment for both conditions. NYSHealth is committed to breaking down the clinical, regulatory, and financial barriers to the integration of mental health and substance use services for people who cope with both issues at that same time. As a component of this priority area, NYSHealth has identified returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families as a high-need, sub-population whose broad mental health needs are not being met.

Learn more about the Foundation's strategies and projects to integrate mental health and substance use services.

Learn more about the Foundation's Initiative for Returning Veterans and Their Families.